Mount Bisoke Hiking permit

Mount Bisoke Hiking permit, Mount Bisoke Hike in Rwanda. Located along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Bisoke is a dormant volcano in the Virunga Mountains of East Africa. Rising to an elevation of 3,711 meters, Mount Bisoke lies within Volcanoes National Park, part of the Albertine Rift—the western arm of the East African Rift system. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endangered mountain gorillas. It also forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area.

Hiking Mount Bisoke is a popular activity for visitors on Rwanda safaris, especially those combining the trek with gorilla trekking. Since the mountain is located within Volcanoes National Park, all hikers are required to obtain a hiking permit before attempting the climb.

Mount Bisoke Hiking Permit Cost

Permits are required for anyone who wishes to hike Mount Bisoke. These are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and can be arranged through local tour operators such as Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.

Current permit prices are as follows:

Foreign tourists: $75
Foreign residents in Rwanda: $65
Rwandan citizens: RWF 4,000
East African citizens: $55
East African foreign residents: $65

Mount Bisoke Hiking Requirements and Terms

To hike Mount Bisoke, the following requirements and terms apply:

All visitors must report to the Visitor Information and Registration Center at the Volcanoes National Park entrance by 07:00 AM.
Foreign residents and East African residents must have held valid residency or work permits for at least four consecutive months to qualify for resident rates.
Diplomats with resident visas can access resident rates for their spouse and legally recognized children, even if those family members do not hold resident visas.
East African residents must present either a passport or a valid resident permit.
Individuals with one Rwandan parent and a Rwandan spouse may qualify as Rwandan citizens, subject to confirmation from the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration.
The minimum age for participants is 15 years.
Each hiking group is limited to a maximum of 16 people.
Full client details (name, passport number, email, and phone number) are required at the time of booking.
Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hiking Mount Bisoke is an unforgettable experience, but it can be physically demanding. Visitors are advised to be in good health and reasonably fit before attempting the climb.

Additional Activities After the Mount Bisoke Hike

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking is a unique and rewarding experience that pairs well with the Bisoke hike. These rare primates are found only in the Virunga Mountains. The activity starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. You’ll then be guided into the montane rainforest in search of golden monkeys. Once located, you’ll spend one hour observing their natural behavior. The experience is rich with biodiversity and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Dian Fossey Tomb Visit

Those interested in gorilla conservation can visit the Dian Fossey Tomb. Dian Fossey was an American zoologist and primatologist who dedicated 18 years to studying mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She founded the Karisoke Research Center between Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. Her efforts brought international attention to the plight of mountain gorillas. Sadly, she was murdered in 1985, but her legacy lives on.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you deep into the forest in search of mountain gorillas. Though gorilla permits are relatively expensive, the experience is incredibly rewarding, and your contribution supports conservation efforts. For those interested in comparing options, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris also offers insights into gorilla trekking in Uganda versus Rwanda.